We do have conversations that I help facilitate. From two and a half years of using the UOS, we have found that there is more than enough stuff to share among three grade levels. TC suggested having (as they do) a June Planning Day where you plan out your UOS for the following year. We have those coming up the next couple weeks. They also hold a professional day between units, in preparation for the next unit. I’m hoping to pull off half days with each grade level between UOS two weeks before the new unit (I’m aiming for every other month) begins. Some units won’t require that much PD so we’ll do some it at grade level meetings. That will also facilitate communication between grades. Hope this helps.

I will have to check my notebooks when I get home, but I think I remember that it is similar to a social issue book study, but for writing about an issue that is personal to you. I’ll reply again next week when I’m home.